If you’re a fan of classic banana bread and swoon for decadent layered cakes, the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the dreamy mashup you’ve been waiting for. This crowd-pleasing dessert takes all the sweet, cozy flavors of banana bread and transforms them into a soft, moist cake, slathered generously with tangy, velvety cream cheese frosting. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly elevates any gathering—whether you’re treating yourself on a weeknight or wowing guests at a weekend brunch. Trust me, once you try this comforting bake, it’ll become your go-to whenever you have ripe bananas begging to be used.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting comes together with straightforward pantry staples, each playing a starring role in the cake’s rich taste and irresistible texture. These simple ingredients blend to create a fluffy crumb, balanced sweetness, and the perfect pillow for that luxurious cream cheese frosting.
- Ripe Bananas: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
- Light Brown Sugar (packed): Adds a hint of molasses flavor and makes the cake extra moist.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Provides rich flavor and keeps the cake beautifully tender.
- Large Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure.
- Sour Cream: Doubles down on the moistness and adds a gentle tang to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the banana notes.
- All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the cake—measure it accurately for best results.
- Baking Soda: Helps the batter rise for a light, fluffy crumb.
- Baking Powder: Ensures a lovely lift and even texture.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Ground Nutmeg: Offers subtle depth and a faint, nutty aroma.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The foundation of our dreamy, tangy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet, and creamy frosting without any grittiness.
- Pinch of Salt (for frosting): Brings balance and keeps the frosting from being overly sweet.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring your cake bakes evenly right from the get-go. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps the cake release cleanly and keeps each slice pristine. Taking a minute on this first step saves you from stuck cake later!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer until the mixture looks pale and fluffy, about three minutes. This not only blends the ingredients but also infuses air, laying the groundwork for the cake’s irresistible lightness.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Bananas, and More
Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in your mashed ripe bananas, the cool richness of sour cream, and aromatic vanilla extract. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit lumpy at this stage—the bananas guarantee big flavor and ultimate moistness for your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This little extra step ensures the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, so every bite bursts with cozy, spiced goodness.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, taking care not to overmix. Stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour—overmixing can lead to a denser cake, and we’re after a soft, tender crumb here!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of banana and warm spices. Let the cake cool completely in the pan—you’ll want the surface cool before applying that dreamy cream cheese frosting.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, get started on the luscious frosting. In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating as you go. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for that signature tang. You want your frosting fluffy, silky, and perfectly spreadable.
Step 8: Frost and Slice
Once the cake is fully cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting from edge to edge. I recommend using an offset spatula for the smoothest finish. Slice into squares and admire your work—your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to steal the show.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a simple shower of toasted chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and a lovely contrast. If you’re feeling fancy, try a sprinkle of cinnamon, a curl of banana, or a few edible flowers for a show-stopping effect—the creamy white frosting makes a perfect canvas for creativity.
Side Dishes
Serve your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting alongside a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries for a refreshing balance. If it’s a rich dessert spread, a cup of strong coffee, chai, or a cool glass of milk is all you need to round out the moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, cut the cake into mini squares and serve as bite-size treats at parties. You can also layer slices in parfait glasses with fresh banana slices and extra frosting for an eye-catching twist—Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting trifle, anyone?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in the refrigerator, covered tightly. The cake stays moist and the frosting keeps its creamy texture, making it perfect for enjoying over several days. It actually gets even more flavorful after a night in the fridge!
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw at room temperature and frost fresh. For frosted leftovers, freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap and return to the freezer.
Reheating
If you prefer your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting a little warm, microwave individual slices for about 10 seconds straight from the fridge. Just enough to soften the cake without melting the frosting—pure comfort in every bite!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Simply divide the batter among lined muffin cups and reduce the baking time to about 18-22 minutes. Top each cupcake with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for an adorable handheld treat.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
If you’re out of sour cream, full-fat plain Greek yogurt makes a wonderful substitute. It provides the same level of moisture and tang, keeping your cake just as delicious.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Stir up to a cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter before baking. This adds texture and extra flavor without affecting the cake’s moisture.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake—check at the earlier end of the suggested timing for best results.
Is the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting very sweet?
It strikes the perfect balance—sweet enough for dessert but not overwhelmingly sugary. The tang of the cream cheese frosting mellows the brown sugar-rich cake, making every bite harmonious and crave-worthy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to turn ripe bananas into absolute magic, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is as comforting and impressive as dessert gets. Give it a try the next time you crave something special—one bite and you’ll see why it deserves a permanent place in your baking lineup!
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of moist banana bread cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion and will have your guests coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
Banana Bread Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and bananas: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Frost the cake: Spread the frosting over the cooled banana bread cake. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For a lighter texture, make sure not to overmix the batter.
- You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
